Massive cyberattack hits global companies, causes turmoil

The virus used is similar to the ransomware attack last month that infected more than 300,000 computers, according to cybersecurity experts.

The widespread cyberattack apparently targeting Ukraine rippled across Europe and spread to computer systems of banks and major companies in Russia, Britain and elsewhere, according to the report.

US-based pharmaceutical major Merck tweeted that its computer network “was compromised … as part of the global hack.” Mondelēz International also reported a “global IT outage,” telling CNBC that all of its phone lines were out because they’re connected to its computer network.

Many security researchers initially linked the attack to ransomware known as Petya, which was previously advertised for sale on top-tier Russian criminal forums. But Kaspersky Lab, a leading Russian security software company, said Tuesday night that it was, in fact, “a new ransomware that has never been seen before.”

The cyber extortion campaign included a code known as “Eternal Blue,” which cyber security experts widely believe was stolen from the US National Security Agency (NSA) and was also used in last month’s ransomware attack, named “WannaCry” said a report in India Today.